Background:
The United Nations has determined that 2005 will be the "International Year of Sport and Physical Education", while at the same time serve as the first year of the "Decade of Education for Sustainable Development." The year 2005 is also the year in which the first international exposition is held in the 21st century:"EXPO2005, AICHI" under the theme of "Nature's Wisdom."

The United Nations is using various methods to solve issues on a global scale and there is much expectation on the role of sports in achieving this. To this end, groups including the Japan Association for the 2005 World Exposition, the Chunichi Shimbun, NPO Global Sports Alliance (GSA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have made plans to use the opportunity of the World Exposition in Aichi, Japan to promote environmental awareness and action among sports enthusiasts worldwide. This is the foundation for the "Sports Summit for the Environment 2005".

Contents:
1. Presentation by the UN Agencies and International Sports Organizations

2. Athlete's Messages: Japanese and international athletes share their thoughts on the global environment and their hopes for the future of sport.

3. Special Concert by Yo-Yo Ma: A collaboration between SSE 2005 and the world-renowned cellist. Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble give a special performance.

4. RECYCL'art Award Ceremony
RECYCL'art is art created from old or unused sports equipment. Contributions from the general public will be displayed at the Summit, and an award ceremony held to acknowledge the best examples. RECYCL'art contributed by art students from Aichi prefecture will also be on display.

5. Announcement of the Sports and the Environment Joint Declaration
Including the individual declarations collected from individuals and sports organizations worldwide, the joint declaration will indicate to the world the commitment of sports to tackling environmental problems and developing a sustainable society.

6. Passing on the Message
The message of the Sports Summit is passed on to the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino and the 2008 Beijing Olympics in a special Ecoflag presentation ceremony.

For more information on the Sports Summit for the Environment (SSE) 2005, contact info@gsa.or.jp